Forrest House is a contemporary urban villa by JABRAARCHITECTS, designed at the intersection of architecture and landscape. The house was built in one of Wrocław’s historic residential districts, right next to a park, and was intended from the outset to serve as a peaceful, private space surrounded by greenery. Rather than dominating its surroundings, the building consciously blends into their rhythm and scale.
The starting point for the project was the location. The peaceful neighbourhood with its historic villa-style buildings set the direction for the entire concept – from the building’s form to the interior layout. The architects designed a low ground floor opening onto the garden and a more distinctive first floor, which discreetly references the architecture of the surrounding area. The result is a modern house, yet one that is well-integrated into its surroundings.
A significant constraint, which ultimately became a source of inspiration, was the long and narrow shape of the plot. Many architects struggle with this, but in this case, it was decided to make skilful use of it. The space was organised along the axis of the house, and a sequence of openings onto the garden and park was created.
A house organised around a patio
The most important element of the design is the centrally located patio – an internal garden that organises the functional layout and integrates the various areas of the house. It does not serve as a traditional courtyard, but becomes an integral part of the residents’ daily lives.
Visible from most of the ground floor rooms, the patio changes with the seasons and the light of day, influencing the perception of the interiors. It creates a sense of privacy whilst strengthening the house’s relationship with the surrounding landscape. The boundaries between the interior and the garden have been further reduced thanks to large glazing, sliding walls and wide openings. The living room, kitchen and dining room blend seamlessly with the surroundings, and light becomes one of the main elements shaping the atmosphere of the interiors.
A space tailored to the rhythm of everyday life
The functional layout of Forrest House was designed with a family of four in mind, who combine home life with working from home. The ground floor houses all the essential daily functions: a living area, a master bedroom with an en-suite bathroom and a walk-in wardrobe, a wellness area with a sauna, as well as a study and a garage. The first floor is reserved for children and guests. It comprises three bedrooms and a shared bathroom.
A key feature of the design is the separate work area situated at the front of the property. This allows for independence and does not intrude on the private part of the house. Conversely, the more intimate rooms have been set back towards the rear of the plot, where contact with the greenery is most direct.
Interiors as a continuation of the architecture
The interiors of Forrest House are designed in the spirit of contemporary, warm minimalism with subtle references to Art Deco aesthetics. Materials play a key role here – natural stone, oak, veneer and large-format sintered stone. It is these materials that create the atmosphere of the home: calm, elegant and, at the same time, timeless. The focal point of the living area is the kitchen with an island made of Breccia Capraia marble. It serves not only a practical function but also organises the space and becomes a natural gathering place for the household.
The floors have been designed as a cohesive element throughout the house. In most rooms, oak has been laid in a classic French herringbone pattern, whilst stone and sintered stone feature in high-traffic areas. The materials have been selected not only for their aesthetic appeal, but also for their durability and everyday comfort.
Particular attention was also paid to the private quarters. The master bedroom, together with the bathroom and walk-in wardrobe, forms a tranquil zone with direct access to the garden – a place that allows one to connect with nature without leaving the house.
The character of Forrest House stems from simple decisions and a thoughtful approach to the site. The house does not cut itself off from its surroundings – it makes use of them. Greenery becomes part of everyday life, and the space changes with the light and the seasons.
_
About the studio:
JABRAARCHITECTS is a studio specialising in the design of premium homes and villas, as well as interior architecture. The studio creates timeless, meticulously detailed spaces that respond to the individual needs and lifestyles of clients. The foundation of the projects lies in the harmony of proportions, the aesthetics of form and functionality, which together ensure comfort of use for years to come. The studio, developed by architect Tomasz Zaleski, who has 17 years of experience, together with a team of architecture and design enthusiasts, offers comprehensive project management services — from design, through preparation and coordination, to implementation.
design: JabraaArchitects
Read also: Villas and residences | Detached house | Modernism | Recommended | whiteMAD on Instagram
